US importers prepare for southern hemisphere citrus season

While the US domestic citrus season remains in full swing, Peru, South Africa and Chile are preparing for their own. "Everyone is trying to predict what will happen in California, as that will determine the timing of imports," says Miles Fraser-Jones of Sierra Produce. Early indications are that the California tangerine season will continue through the end of May, perhaps even the first or second week of June, depending on weather conditions. "It's a pretty normal schedule," says Fraser-Jones. "Last year, California tangerines were still on the shelves in June." PeruIn the southern hemisphere, Peru has begun shipping Primasol, an early Satsuma-type variety. It is a seedless variety, although with a relatively low Brix and acidity level. "The risk of bringing in early fruit is that it could saturate the market. It all depends on how strong demand is. We don't want to run out of fruit completely, but we also don't want to oversaturate the market," explains Fraser-Jones. "Therefore, ...